LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the untimely death of Specialist Jona-
than D. Emard, and paying tribute to his courageous actions as a member
of the United States Army

WHEREAS, The courage and bravery of our military personnel since the
United States Armed Forces commenced Operation Iraqi Freedom will ensure
our continued role as a Nation which embodies the ideals of democracy,
and as a defender of liberty for people throughout the world; and
WHEREAS, Members of the Armed Services from the State of New York, who
have served so valiantly and honorably during Operation Iraqi Freedom,
deserve a special salute from this Legislative Body; and
WHEREAS, It is with feelings of deepest regret that this Legislative
Body mourns the untimely death of Specialist Jonathan D. Emard, and pays
tribute to his courageous actions as a member of the United States Army;
and
WHEREAS, Specialist Jonathan D. Emard joined the Army in March 2006,
and completed basic and advanced individual training at Fort Benning,
Georgia; he was killed by small arms hostile fire on June 4, 2008; and
WHEREAS, A native of Mesquite, Texas, 20-year-old Specialist Jonathan
D. Emard was assigned to Fort Drum in July 2006; and
WHEREAS, His awards and decorations include the Purple Heart, National
Defense Service Medal, and the Combat Infantryman Badge; and
WHEREAS, Specialist Jonathan D. Emard is survived by his parents,
Deborah Ann and David Lee, and a son, Joshua Martin; and
WHEREAS, The banner of freedom will always wave over our beloved New
York and all of America, the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave;
and
WHEREAS, Residents of this great State must never forget the courage
with which these men and women served their country, and must recognize
that no greater debt is owed than that owed to those who gave their
lives for their beloved Nation and to those who continue to be missing
in action; and
WHEREAS, The freedoms and security we cherish as Americans come at a
very high price for those serving in the military in times of conflict;
it is fitting and proper that we who are the beneficiaries of those who
risk their lives, leaving their families behind, express our appreci-
ation and eternal gratitude for their sacrifices and courageous acts;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the untimely death of Specialist Jonathan D. Emard, and to pay
tribute to his courageous actions as a member of the United States Army;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Specialist Jonathan D. Emard.